Moving beyond promises

Perceptions, priorities and participation of youth in Yemen’s transition

Moving beyond promises highlights the crisis of authority and continuing challenges for Yemen’s political transition and calls for tangible improvements in security and the economy, and greater inclusion of young people in decision-making to ensure that the transition leads to sustained peace and security.

The research highlights that young Yeminis, who played a crucial role in the uprising against Presdient Saleh's regime, are highly critical of the transition’s progress to date. They see a general crisis of national authority and the need for tangible improvements in their day-to-day lives such as electricity, jobs, infrastructure and basic services. Yemen’s youth are united in wanting both national and international authorities to move beyond promises and be more inclusive and responsive to the needs of Yemen’s population.

The research is built on discussions with young men and women aged 18-35, in 17 Yemeni governorates between March and August 2012.  It sets out four key recommendations to promote greater youth participation: reconstituting authority and addressing negative perceptions; making progress on youth priorities; tackling obstacles to youth participation; and building on opportunities for future engagement.

Read the full report here in English or in Arabic.

“What do I want from the transition? I want security. I want electricity. I want health. I want good roads. I want no army in the streets. I want a job. That’s what I want, but I don’t know where to start.”

Youth activist, Sana’a, Yemen. Moving beyond promises report.